I have had a pair of Banded waders (both chest and waist) for the past two years, by far the most comfortable wader I have ever had on; I wear my waist waders mostly as the chest waders are too hot for me under normal conditions, I recently noticed my waist waders were leaking so I decided to purchase another pair to replace them. I ordered a pair of 1.5’s From Mack’s; when they arrived, the first thing I noticed was that they did not have the outer layer that comes down over the boot for protection, thus exposing the wader from the knees -down to obstacles or thin ice while walking.
<br>I have been very pleased with all my banded purchases but feel the company has taken a step backwards in the modification of these waders.

Similar to “Flooded Corn,” I’m missing the older model. The older model was really comfortable, In addition to wearing them while hunting I wore them in measurable snow all day and was finally able to stay dry while working on the farm. I bought the Red-Zone 1.5 waders this season and am somewhat disappointed. The material is much stiffer and not nearly as comfortable. The fit is much bulkier; I miss the trimmer cut. Also, these do not have the protective layer on the legs, another disappointment. I realize that products must always be striving for improvement, but is there really an issue with admitting when a product is already a good thing?

Seam failed after 1 year (basically, 3 months of use). Banded declined to support their product. I'd avoid the product, just based on warranty experience alone.